In this latest "Mythbuster" article, we tackle the common misconception that the “findings” of a fire risk assessment are solely the issues that need fixing. The truth lies in the balance between what’s already in place and what requires attention. A comprehensive fire risk assessment should include all details, both good and bad, to give a complete picture of fire safety.

21 October 2024

Short answer: Wrong

Long Answer:

The word “findings(1)” appears in Regulation 9-(7)(a) of the Fire Safety Order. This indicates that the information that must be recorded includes “… the measure which have been taken and will be taken …”.

  • The measures which will be taken largely refers to the shortcomings which require correction.
  • The measures which have been taken refers to the measures which are already in place.

Taking these two points together means the documented fire risk assessment report should contain details of anything, good or bad, which impacts on the fire risk.

A common failing to be found in many risk assessment reports is a lack of detail leaving the reader wondering if the assessor failed to observe something or failed to record it. When a report is read, it is important that the reader can build up a clear picture of the premises. Often without the, sometimes mundane, details, the reviewer would be unable to complete the review and may have to return the report to the assessor.

While a lack of detail is unlikely to result in a prosecution of itself, it may be used to support the prosecution case to indicate that the report was flawed and/or the assessor was not fully competent.

Simple tip: Say what you see and express an opinion.

 

(1)This was previously “significant findings” until it was amended by the Building Safety Act 2022.

 

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